Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: aladin who wrote (117349)	10/22/2003 1:19:43 AM
From: Jacob Snyder	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 281500

This idea, that non-violent resistance only works against "humane" rulers, is a variation on the theme of calling pacifists cowards. All the rulers of the Soviet Empire were brutal thugs, with a long history of killing to maintain their authority. This was true, right up to the end. Satyagraha works by convincing enough of the ruler's subjects to stop taking the ruler's orders. It is assumed the ruler may be willing to use every available lever of power, to maintain his regime. When the ruler's self-confidence finally cracks, it happens precisely because he sees his orders no longer being obeyed, he realises he is not feared any longer. In war, you win by breaking the discipline, command structure, and unit cohesion of your opponent's armed forces. Satyagraha does the same thing, but without killing the opponent or his followers. Successful Satyagraha takes as much discipline, and is as risky, as making war.